Provence Riding Vacation- Perched Villages Inn-to-Inn Part 1

My adventures horse riding inn-to-inn to Provence's Perched Villages on a France riding holiday.

By: Emily Mitchell, Bella Remy Photography
Part 1 of 2- Read Part 2

Traveling rapidly on the TGV train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence, my friends and I were excitedly awaiting our arrival to Provence. After a lovely weekend spent in Paris, it was time to get to the countryside and enjoy the Luberon Mountains. A week long horseback trail ride was planned to visit the perched medieval villages throughout the region.

Upon arrival, the van met us and whisked us away to the Equestrian Center outside of Lauris. For 25 years, this equestrian outfitter has been offering hikers, bikers and horseback rider’s adventures throughout Provence. This was to be my second riding holiday, and returning to Mas de Recaute felt as if I was returning home.

Nestled on the southern slopes of the Luberon Mountains, the equestrian center is bordered with grape vineyards and classical Provencial views as Cezanne would paint. With Didier’s advice, we were traveling in May with the best of spring to greet us with blooming wildflowers and poppies throughout the countryside.

We had arrived just in time for lunch, and orientation of our inn-to-inn trail ride through the mountains. Our first day was to be an easy one, taking the horses over the first mountain to Bonnieux. After careful discussion to our riding abilities, each of us were matched up with a perfect mount that would take care of us during our journey.

The tack being used is mainly English riding saddles, and saddle bags are available for most riders to place personal belongings in. We were all excited to get in the saddle and ride off into the countryside. Our trail ride couldn’t start soon enough. Wonderfully though, the French have mastered the art of taking life leisurely and after our delicious provincial lunch, with wine included, the process of assigning appropriate tack, rider and horse began.

Soon enough we started on the trail, walking for the first ten minutes to allow the horses to warm up, we mounted and began our journey up the Luberon Mountains. Our first village and destination for the afternoon was Bonnieux, a small village of less than 1,300 residents with a history that dates back to Roman times.

I quickly learned that my horse Fan-Fan is a true and steady steed. Well-seasoned on the trails, Fan-Fan showed me that he knew his job, and knew it well! We were perfectly matched, as were all the other riders in our group. Of mixed breeds, these horses are gradually trained to handle the rough and rugged terrain of the Luberon Mountains. They also are accustomed to a variety of trail challenges and take life in stride.

Our guide Jeff was wonderful in making sure that everyone was safe and secure on their mounts. Riding into Bonnieux was the first of many highlights on this Provence riding vacation. I imagined myself as an explorer traveling far and wide to reach this charming village, so that I can discover the treasures it may contain.

High on the mountainside Bonnieux looks over fields containing grape vineyards and cherry trees. With a church built in the 6th century, riding through Bonnieux is like stepping back into the past and reliving medieval times.

Considered one of the most beautiful villages on the northern side of the Luberon, Bonnieux offers a panoramic view of the Calavon valley. The Knights Templar were known for building the Chapel of Saint Saviour in the twelve century, and used Bonnieux as one of their headquarters until 1312.

Off in the distance one can see the village of Lacoste, made notorious by the Marque de Sade. These villages perched throughout the Luberon region were built during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. With their stoned walls, bright provincial colors highlight the windows and doorways bringing cheer to the natural earth tones of the village.

We were to leave our mounts outside of Bonnieux and return to Mas de Recaute for our first night. Arriving to the cherry orchards of Place des Amourex, the ripe fruit beckoned us to pick and enjoy them. Even the horses were excited to eat these little red delights. We were reluctant to leave this charming farm and purchased honey candy to enjoy on our drive back to the farm. The next morning we are to return and continue our journey towards Rustrel.

Read more from Emily Mitchell's riding vacation in France in Part 2.

Take the Provence Perched Villages Ride. More information rates and upcoming departures for this France riding vacation and more great riding holidays at  EquitrekkingTravel.com. For more equestrian travel resrouces, check out the Equitrekking Vacation Guide to great dude ranches, guest ranches and worldwide riding holidays. Read more great stories like this one in Equitrekking's free monthly newsletter.

About the Author: Emily Mitchell is a freelance photojournalist specializing in travel and outdoor adventure. Author and producer of the blog Hoof Beats & Foot Prints, she shares her travel and adventure experiences on foot and by horseback. Every part of the world mixes the past with the present. Appreciating the local culture with its historical roots, but yet with a fresh eye for adventure, the best of each destination is showcased. Emily is well-seasoned traveler, with visits to over 20 countries, and career experience in the travel and hospitality industry.